Need help on upgrading

[whatishacks]

So i have barely any knowledge about computers.

I know how to use one and fix most errors and stuff while its running but part wise i don't know much.

I bought a custom PC for $350.

Here are the specs

GPU: AMD Radeon HD 5800 Series (doesn't say which number exactly) 1GB
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.4ghz
RAM:

• Total 6gb
• 2x2GB Sticks
• 2x1gb sticks

Motherboard: Intel DG33TL
http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/highlights/dsktpboards/dg33tl



Question:
What should I Upgrade first?


Extra info:
I play many games, but am finding that newer games require more CPU speed, and sometimes more ram (8gb). So i want to upgrade, or atleast know my options.

 

[Bubbaleone]

You've already got a pretty good CPU for that board and its G33 chipset. The fastest of the CPUs that were compatible with the DG33TL (before getting into the Xeon series CPUs) was the Intel® Core™2 Quad Q9650. It retailed for about $340.00 in its day, but you can find them on ebay for around $100-$130. Here's Intel's CPU compatibility list for the DG33TL: Compatible Processor(s) for Board DG33TL.

You may want to re-think this because, by the time you've upgraded to a better (used) cpu and gpu, you'll have well over $500.00 invested in a seven year old, socket LGA775 based, PC that most modern $400.00 OEM PCs will run circles around while gaming.

.

 

[whatishacks]

You've already got a pretty good CPU for that board and its G33 chipset. The fastest of the CPUs that were compatible with the DG33TL (before getting into the Xeon series CPUs) was the Intel® Core™2 Quad Q9650. It retailed for about $340.00 in its day, but you can find them on ebay for around $100-$130. Here's Intel's CPU compatibility list for the DG33TL: Compatible Processor(s) for Board DG33TL.

You may want to re-think this because, by the time you've upgraded to a better (used) cpu and gpu, you'll have well over $500.00 invested in a seven year old, socket LGA775 based, PC that most modern $400.00 OEM PCs will run circles around while gaming.

.

Hi, thanks for the reply.

After looking around i found some of the CPUs u mentioned for $135.
GPU's are usually on sale all year round at my local electronics store. I've seen 1gb cards for $50, some 2gb for $100.

Do you think i should just try to get a motherboard+CPU combo? Maybe amd to save some money. Let's say i spend $300 on that.

I don't have a job, and i don't know of any way to make money online lol so my upgrades rely on money gifts.


EDIT: forgot to add that yea my CPU is good.

Currently i play League of legends, which really only needs a decent PC.
SKyrim on high (no lag at all)
CS:GO

so upgrading can be put on hold for 1-2 years. I just want to know what i can do though incase i see a really good deal.

 

[Bubbaleone]

I can feel your enthusiasm and if you're OK with its current gaming performance, and in view of your financial situation, I'd suggest you not throw money at a machine this old. I think you should start saving up every penny right now, and when you get a couple hundred dollars together, sell your old rig, then spend your money on something like these $400.00 range gaming/entertainment PCs available at Newegg.

While you're saving up, you need to take time to do some research on recent and current computer technology so you can make more informed decisions about what to spend your money on.

.

 

[whatishacks]

I can feel your enthusiasm and if you're OK with its current gaming performance, and in view of your financial situation, I'd suggest you not throw money at a machine this old. I think you should start saving up every penny right now, and when you get a couple hundred dollars together, sell your old rig, then spend your money on something like these $400.00 range gaming/entertainment PCs available at Newegg.

While you're saving up, you need to take time to do some research on recent and current computer technology so you can make more informed decisions about what to spend your money on.

.

Hey

Thanks for the advice.
I am very enthusiastic.

After thinking it over, you're right. I should just save up (I'll have a job soon anyways) and sell/keep this one.
I just realized that the amount of games I missed due to me being restricted to a console is enormous. So I can have 1-2(or more lol) years of enjoyment with these games.

This does mean no newer games but that isn't a big problem.

Thanks

 

[phasseshifter]

if i may i think that just stepping up on the video card would do a great improvement in your gaming..as a stepping up to a 2g card or bigger something that is 256 bit would do great ...you can use it in your new setup ..simply put back your 1gb card...no newer games to purchase did you mean ..if you think that your cpu is below standard it has 4 cores so will play most games ....your ram would be next even though u r limited there..but 6 gig is better than 4...and if you dont have this ............................http://downloadmirror.intel.com/15061/eng/DG33TL_ProductGuide03_English.pdf